Do I have a problem...?
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver BC Canada
Do I have a problem...?
The oil pressure gauge hasn't worked in my truck for a while. Needle never moves, just stayed pinned below L. Today, I replaced the oil and temp gauges with some from a working cluster. Now, the oil pressure reads mid range when I am on the throttle, but drops to nothing when I take my foot off the pedal. I've read about the oil pressure gauge being a glorified idiot light but, is this normal behavior? My truck has at least 350,000 kms. but seems to run just fine. The history of the truck is unknown, but I've owned it for 9 months now and have put on probably 8000kms. Do I need to drop the pan and check the pickup, do I need to change out the sensor for a sending unit?
Advise is appreiated.
Advise is appreiated.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
I agree with Conanski. No oil pressure and that thing would be really noisy at idle.
If you are really nervous go get a 30 dollar mechanical oil pressure gauge. It will tell you immediately if you have anything to worry about.
A good rule of thumb is 10 lbs of pressure per 1000 RPM. Although at idle that kind of goes out the window. I have seen idle pressure as low a 3 lbs and the engine still had plenty of pressure the instant it came off idle.
Long story short, if it isn't noisy, and it shows pressure while driving, don't sweat it. Just drive it and enjoy.
EDIT: Beaten by 1966Tbird!
If you are really nervous go get a 30 dollar mechanical oil pressure gauge. It will tell you immediately if you have anything to worry about.
A good rule of thumb is 10 lbs of pressure per 1000 RPM. Although at idle that kind of goes out the window. I have seen idle pressure as low a 3 lbs and the engine still had plenty of pressure the instant it came off idle.
Long story short, if it isn't noisy, and it shows pressure while driving, don't sweat it. Just drive it and enjoy.
EDIT: Beaten by 1966Tbird!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 23,849
Likes: 20
From: McKenzie River
Might be part of it, I would stick with 10w30 in a big American V8. I have seen with mechanical gages big differences in PSI readings just by changing from one brand of oil to another of the same weight.....Still think its just the oil press. sending unit, I have had plenty go bad over the years.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver BC Canada
I have always used 10w30 in all of my older v8s. Just this time I noticed the sticker on the rad support says 5w30 so I figured I'd give it a try.
Ok, thanks for the tips. I'll check the pressure sending unit. Did I read that it's threaded into the block behind the ps pump?
Ok, thanks for the tips. I'll check the pressure sending unit. Did I read that it's threaded into the block behind the ps pump?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote